Fall Fun for Families In + Around Omaha

Vala's Harvest Barn with pumpkins in front
Vala’s Harvest Barn in Gretna, NE

Nobody does fall better than the Midwest. Check out our 10 favorite fall activities for Nebraska families. What are your must-do fall activities in Omaha?

Fall in Omaha

Cheer at a Cornhusker Football Game

No Nebraska fall list would be complete without mention of the Scarlet and Cream! Everyone should see the “Sea of Red” in person at least once in their lifetime.

Whether you are viewing at Memorial Stadium, the Rail-yard, a tailgate, or your own couch, fun will be had by all!

GOOOOOO BIIIIIIGGGGGG REEEEEEDDDDD!

Be sure to check out our family guide to Husker Game Day with Kids.

Explore Nebraska State Parks

Who doesn’t love to run around in the great outdoors? We recommend getting a state park pass. Explore Mahoney, Two Rivers, Platte River State Park, Schramm Park, and so many others nearby with activities for all interests. We love climbing the lookout towers for spectacular views of the changing trees and landscapes!

Check out the Nebraska State Park website to locate a park near you.

Don’t forget to check out these family-friendly hiking spots in Omaha.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Open mid-September through Halloween, this short season is jam-packed with so much to do. And a favorite is obviously local pumpkin patches.

There are so many great pumpkin patches to visit in Omaha. A few of the highlights for our family are bouncy pillows, trains, hay-rack rides, carnival games, and there are photo ops galore.

Visit our Pumpkin Patch Guide for more!

*Money Saving Tip: Go in September or Monday through Thursday for discount tickets. You can also bring your own food and drinks to save.

Take a Bridges of Madison County Tour

Alright, this is Iowa… but is still amazing for a little romantic getaway, solo retreat, or girl’s day trip.

Read the book beforehand, make a stellar sing-along playlist, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and hit the road! Wait until the trees are turning and enjoy the fall foliage, girl talk, and conversation, or download the audible and listen as you drive along. No matter how you go, beauty will be found!

For a self-guided itinerary visit Madison County Half Day Itinerary Here.

Go to the AppleJack Festival

The Annual AppleJack Festival is a community favorite. We highly recommend making the short drive to Nebraska City and see what the buzz is all about. For apple everything and the full list of events, visit the Nebraska City AppleJack Festival website.

Head to Village Pointe

Village Pointe hosts great activities for kids every fall. They have had pumpkin carving and a giant tree of pumpkins, and it is always for a great cause. Don’t miss the Halloween Boo Bash with trick or treating, characters, face painting, and more. Visit Village Pointe for more info.

Find more Halloween Events in Omaha.

Celebrate Oktoberfest

There are several Oktoberfests in Omaha. One of the most popular celebrations takes place in the Benson area. Beer Corner USA and The German American Society have events centering around Oktoberfest. So grab your friends and your steins. Cheers!

Stay Home

There is so much your family can do in the fall by simply staying home. Playing in the leaves, having a pick-up game of football, doing family crafts, watching the games on TV, pumpkin carving, bonfires or fire pits, movie marathons, baking. the possibilities are endless. Plus, having your home smell like cinnamon, apples, and pumpkin is magical.

Check Out Scary Acres

For the big kids and grown-ups alike who enjoy a thrill, what’s more terrifying than walking through a haunted cornfield?  Think Children of the Corn first, for an extra fright… Scary Acres is known to be “one of the best and scariest attractions in the Midwest,” check out what the reputation is all about.

Find more Haunted Houses in Omaha.

Go to a Craft Fair

What could be better than the smell of cinnamon, and the sight of handcrafted items? My favorite craft fair is at the Ralston Arena. There are so many events that accompany this fair.

Check out a full Guide to Holiday Markets in Omaha.

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

I can’t think of a better way to wrap up the fall season than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The only activity to rival the main meal, the football, and the giving of thanks is this fun event that we watch every year.

What do you love about fall in Omaha? 

marymahowald
Hello Omaha! My name is Mary Mahowald. I am an Omaha native and have lived here most of my life, and I know it’s such a wonderful place to raise a family! I am a single, hard working momma to two little crazies, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sebastian is a 6 year old, whom is heading into 1st grade, and Noah, 4, is preschool bound! Mom works full time as an Customer Support and Rental specialist at our local Freightliner dealership, works a couple of side hustles to support these little dudes, and is also attending the Business Management program through Metro Community College. In my “spare time,” I am pursuing a writing career, and am excited to reach our local community through the Omaha Moms Blog! Happy reading!